Franklin County Courts, Legal Help and Crime News

+Straight Up Answers

The hardest part of having your jail visits suspended indefinitely is not having any idea when or if you are going to be able to visit your inmate again. In most cases, visits are suspended due to the visitor violating visitation rules. There are things you can do to try and those visits reinstated. Get […]

Decriminalizing Pot doesn't always mean it is completely legal. Here are some current guidelines. Possession Unlike several other states that chose an ounce as the cutoff for a civil penalty, Maine allows you to possess up to 2.5 ounces and still receive a civil ticket. The fine is a flat $600 regardless of the amount. […]

Mail is a great way to communicate with your inmate. In addition to serious letters, here are some fun ways to amuse each other through the mail. These can be done on postcards or letters. Top 10 Each of you make a list of your favorite five things about the other person and also write […]

Voting is one of the most fundamental rights given to American citizens, but that right can be lost if you're a convicted felon. It's up to the each state to decide their laws about restoring rights. The laws for Massachusetts include: If You're Charged If you've been charged with a crime, but have not yet […]

If your children are over the age of six or seven they should be told if you are addicted to drugs. Children aren't stupid, and no matter how much you think you are keeping the big secret, they know something is wrong. Their imagination is going to run wild until you give them some information. […]

One of the hardest things for an inmate to deal with is being removed from his or her children. Not being there for daily routines means missing out on much of the child's development and preparation for life. These easy steps will keep your inmate connected and active in the lives of the children. Phone […]

Nothing is scarier than a missing person. You're frantic to find out what happened. Then it hits you: Maybe your loved one got arrested. Many jails have websites that allow you to look up inmates currently in custody. Some even list those who were booked and recently released. But an inmate search can tell you […]

Decriminalizing Marijuana doesn't always mean it is completely legal. In some cases, such as in Massachusetts, possession of less than an ounce is no longer a crime but is now a civil offense. Possession It is a civil offense to possess one ounce or less of Marijuana. If found guilty the fine is $100. In […]

Many jails provide a variety of visitation options during the week and you should take advantage of this if you can. Though your inmate will be thrilled to see you at any time, strategic scheduling can make a big difference in the quality of the visit. Time of Day Choose a time that he or […]

Writing to your inmate is an invaluable way to communicate. You'll have your share of serious life issues letters, but here are some fun ways to entertain each other through letters. These can be done on postcards, too. Top 5 + 5 = 10 Each of you make a list of your favorite five things […]

The state of Alabama allows felons to have their voting rights restored under the following guidelines. You must have completed your entire sentence, including incarceration, probation, and parole, or community supervision. Once completed, you have three options: Contact your local parole or probation office Write to the Board of Pardons and Parole

A sentence of 15 years to life, 25 years to life or similar sounding words all mean the same thing. The only difference is the time frame. What the Number Means The number in the sentence indicates the minimum number of years the inmate must serve before he or she can be considered for parole. […]

An Interstate Compact request made while you are on probation or parole can take a long time, but there is no other way to have your supervision transferred from one state to another without it. Here are some of the basics that apply to most cases. Your probation/parole officer does not have to agree to […]

Commissary funds are deposited to an inmate's account so he or she can purchase personal hygiene items, stationery supplies and snacks. Some lists also offer clothing, electronics, books and phone cards, among other things. A Relief from Hunger Inmates are typically fed two to three meals a day. The ingredients are high in calorie and […]

Incarceration is scary. It doesn't matter how old or tough you are, fear is a natural response to being sent to prison. Not showing that fear is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself while doing your time. Exercise is a perfect tool to alleviate fear. According to Harvard Health […]

The Franklin Co. Jail & House of Correction in Greenfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, like all jails is a maximum security facility. Because the inmates in this jail range from low level offenders to those being held for violent crimes like robbery, rape and murder, the security level is as high as is it is in any maximum security state prison. Some of the security features in this facility include security cameras, electronic detection and reinforced fencing topped with razor wire. Correctional officers in Franklin Co. Jail & House of Correction are armed with mace and trained to use physical force to protect themselves and other inmates from violence.

The men, women and juveniles being held in the Franklin Co. Jail & House of Correction are either awaiting trial or have been sentenced in the Franklin County Court System already and been sentenced to a period of time of one year or less. When an inmate is sentenced to a year or more, they are admitted into the Massachusetts Prison or Federal Prison System.
Inmates in the Franklin Co. Jail & House of Correction are fed three meals a day totaling 2,500 calories, are allowed access to phones to contact friends and family members, are allowed at least one hour a day for exercise, have access to books, bathroom and shower facilities. The inmates are allowed mail to be delivered to them as well as newspapers and magazine from trusted outside publishers.
In addition, Franklin County houses the following juvenile facility: Mass Juvenile Detention - Franklin.

On this page you will find direct links to specific information that friends and family members of inmates will find useful: Franklin County Inmate Search, Inmate Phone use, Visitation Rules and Schedules, Commissary Deposits and Information about the Franklin Co. Jail & House of Correction Inmate Mail Guidelines. In addition, you will find information on how to contact the facility, directions to the jail, Franklin County recent arrests, Most Wanted, outstanding Arrest Warrants and much more.

STRAIGHT UP ANSWERS

When he calls, it is a natural instinct to talk to him about what's going on in your life, but be careful. Never lie to him, but be smart about what topics you bring up to speak about. These 5 things should probably wait for an in person visit or for when he comes home. […]

When the judge sentenced me to six months in the county jail, my first thought was about my family. Without me there to work and pay the bills, my wife and kids would lose the apartment. My attorney spoke up right away and asked the judge to allow me to check in at a later […]

West Virginia still requires you to receive a pardon from the governor's office before you can own/possess a gun in that state. Obtaining a pardon in West Virginia is very difficult. Over a recent period of nine different governors, only 131 pardons were granted out of all that applied. An attorney experienced in obtaining felony […]

Generally speaking, federal law makes it a crime for a convicted felon to own or possess a gun or ammunition. If you were convicted of a federal felony crime, you must receive a presidential pardon if you are to ever own a firearm again. Some states, however, have specifically designed laws regarding felons convicted of […]

Face it. You can only send so many selfies, family group shots or photos of the dog on the couch to your inmate before it becomes boring for both of you. Try these ideas to spice up the fun! Have a party for the inmate Gather friends and family together and have a party. Choose […]

Sobriety is like a love relationship. When you start out, everything is exciting and new. When I first got clean, everything I read, saw and heard about sobriety was very attractive to me. I spent my free time getting to know it in the same way I would get to know a new woman. The […]

Society has an expectation that once an inmate is set free he or she can just jump right back into life, but that isn't the way it works. The best way to get back into normal life after incarceration is to take a few baby steps the first few days. Delay the Party Friends and […]

Illinois law allows certain convicted felons to own or possess guns. Federal law still makes it a crime, and in some cases the feds have pursued prosecution in states that allow it. Only an attorney should advise you on this matter but the basics of Illinois laws are as follows: Your rights can be restored […]

The expenses of traveling to visit your inmate can add up quickly. These cost saving measures will make it less painful for your budget. Traveling by car Gas up early Gas up on a weekday. Many gas stations raise the price of a gallon shortly before the weekend. Filling up the tank on a weekday, […]

The one thing that is consistent about US prison sentences is their inconsistency. Each state sets its own rules to use for each criminal offense. The more serious crimes, called felonies, are typically given longer sentences, while less serious crimes, called misdemeanors have shorter sentences. Taking a life — A premeditated murder can result

Anyone sentenced to jail or prison for the first time is scared. If they tell you otherwise they are either lying or they're mentally ill. Your imagination runs wild and every jailhouse show you have ever seen comes to mind. The first time I went to jail I was only 18, and I went for […]

Unless your friend is still living at home with parents and has no bills or responsibilities, he/she is going to need some help while at rehab. The five main reasons addicts worry about being gone are: Pets: If you are an animal lover, you might offer to take his pet in and take of him […]

Visits are a lifeline for most inmates, but if his jail is very far away, or there are other reasons that make it impossible for you to visit, there are other steps you can take to let him know he is not alone. Lots of mail: Even if you can't write a letter each day […]

A sentence of 15 years to life, 25 years to life or similar sounding words all mean the same thing. The only difference is the time frame. What the Number Means The number in the sentence indicates the minimum number of years the inmate must serve before he or she can be considered for parole. […]

If and undocumented immigrant is charged with committing a crime, there can be three different legal outcomes. 1. ICE Gets Involved The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enter information about an arrested immigrant into a database that is monitored. This department has the authority to take custody of the immigrant, investigate his standing